Posted by krap on November 16, 2001 at 23:54:15:
In Reply to: Re: anybody know anything about the Kawasaki Ninja ex500 vs zx600? posted by windrider on November 16, 2001 at 22:38:12:
Hey Windrider,
Yeah, I agree the SV650 is an awesome bike. I rode a friend of mine's a few days ago and the thing is so light and maneuverable! The V-twin engine on the thing is great too, I've heard a Jardine equipped sv650 and it really brought out the characteristic sound of the v-twin. They're pretty inexpensive for all the performance, handling and build-quality too. I was kinda concerned as well about the SV650's height but I talked to a salesman and he said that you can rip out almost four inches of foam out of the thing without decreasing the comfort of the ride - just plop a gel pad in there and off you go (I'm about 5'8" with a pretty short inseam).
Only thing is, I don't want to buy a brand-spanking new bike just yet. I don't have much money and I'd like something that isn't so expensive to repair if I happen to drop it. That's why the early 90's ex500's seem like such a good choice. You should check out the 2000, 94's and 92's, they had some of the better paint jobs of the model. I've seen them with full lower fairings from Lockhart and Targa that make it look like a full-fledged sportbike. On top of it, the thing is very light and maneuverable. When I hopped on one I was really surprised that it actually weighs a good fifty pounds more than the Savage cause it sure didn't feel like it.
The more I research it seems like the EX500 is way superior to the zx-6 and the Suzuki Katana for the purpose that I'll be using it for. Both the ZX-6 and Katana are a little hefty for only another 100cc's of engine. Of course, they're really more for use for touring and eating up highway miles so the extra weight is somewhat justified. But, it doesn't make a lot of sense for me really when I can get around Seattle on two wheels so much faster without even worrying about taking the freeway and all those idiot cagers.